I am a volunteer at the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Animal Shelter, Innisfail, tending and caring for the animals that they shelter. This causes me great concern as I've witnessed increasing neglect of these animals due to questionable management decisions and a complete disinterest in the facilities operations by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cr. Nicholas Pervan, Division 4 (Deputy Mayor).

Without notice, the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc terminated the Shelter Manager. This abrupt termination has left no immediate plans in place for the handover of medical and general care for these animals. Alarmingly, the inability of the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc to appropriately manage the handover of the shelter earlier this year resulted in three puppies dying a horrible, unnecessary, and painful death!

It's heartbreaking to observe that this shelter, which should be a safe haven, has become a place of distress for these animals due to a lack of responsibility by the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc.

Our distress over this situation has been communicated to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Yet, our genuine concerns continue to be disregarded. It is unreasonable to expect that the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Inc, without any formal training in animal care, can take over the complete operation of the Animal Shelter. It is alarming that the Cassowary Coast Regional Council are happy to take the verbal assurances of the committee of this association that they will provide care for these animals "over the weekend".

Friends, the situation is dire and calls for immediate addressing. The wellbeing of the animals sheltered at the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Animal Shelter hangs in balance. We need to urge the authorities to reconsider their decisions, provide adequate animal care training, recruit responsible representatives, and enhance the welfare and happiness of these animals who have no other refuge but this shelter.

I note Council's recent decision to increase staffing and revenue towards animal patrols. I also note growing concerns from the community of an increase in roaming dogs across the Cassowary Coast. What planning has Cassowary Coast Regional Council implemented to address the overflow of animals at their animal holding facility, now that there are no trained carers at the Shelter? What measures has the Cassowary Coast Regional Council put in place to ensure animals being held in premises that are owned by them, and that are placed there with their express agreement, are being accommodated and managed in a way that meets minimum animal welfare standards? What oversight does Cr. Nicholas Pervan have over his portfolio? 

Please, sign this petition and lend your voice to our plea to save these innocent lives.